Toxic Social Media Algorithms: A Threat to Boys and Girls Alike

A recent experiment by a journalist posing as a 17-year-old boy on social media revealed the alarming ease with which young users can be exposed to toxic online content, particularly from the manosphere. The journalist’s fake profile was served misogynistic content in just 13 minutes on TikTok, 45 minutes on Instagram, and an hour on YouTube Shorts.

This phenomenon is not unique to this experiment; research has shown that it takes a mere 23 minutes for a new male social media profile to be served such content. However, what’s more concerning is the fact that these algorithms are designed to amplify and validate extremist views often presented by women who peddle traditional gender roles and promote division between men and women.

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have created an environment where hate speech and extremist ideologies can spread rapidly with little consequence for the perpetrators. The algorithms governing these platforms prioritize user engagement over well-being, often at the expense of young users’ safety.

The experiment highlights the need for greater regulation and accountability from social media companies. As Chanel Contos, CEO of Teach Us Consent, noted, there is a duty of care to protect boys from violent, extremist content. However, this responsibility extends beyond just protecting young men; it also requires shielding girls from toxic behavior and attitudes that can lead to violence.

One cannot help but wonder what other consequences these algorithms have on our society. Do they contribute to the normalization of sexist and misogynistic attitudes? Do they perpetuate a culture where women are reduced to mere objects, their agency and autonomy stripped away?

Australian teens spend an average of 14.4 hours a week online, exposing them to toxic content on platforms like TikTok, which has nearly 10 million users in Australia alone. The e-Safety Commission’s report into how kids were circumventing the social media ban paints a stark picture: children are not only being exposed to extremist content but also targeted by advertisers who prey on their vulnerability.

Social media companies must take responsibility for the harm caused by their algorithms, prioritizing user safety and well-being over profits and advertising revenue. This requires regulation that holds platforms accountable for the spread of hate speech and extremist ideologies.

The harm caused by toxic online culture has a ripple effect on our society, contributing to a culture of intolerance, sexism, and misogyny. We must work together to create a safer online environment where boys and girls can grow up without being exposed to toxic content.

Ultimately, this is not just about protecting young men from the manosphere; it’s about creating a world where women are valued, respected, and empowered. Where relationships are built on mutual respect and trust, rather than power dynamics and control.

The countless stories of girls who have been victimized by online trolls and extremist ideologies must be acknowledged. Their voices must be heard. We owe it to them to create a safer, more inclusive online environment where they can thrive without fear of harassment or violence.

The Manosphere’s Reach: A Global Problem

The manosphere is not unique to Australia or the English-speaking world; it has spread its influence across the globe, infecting social media platforms and communities alike. From the United States to Europe, Asia, and beyond, extremist ideologies are spreading rapidly, often disguised as “men’s rights” or “traditional values.”

The Role of Social Media Companies

Social media companies have a duty of care to protect users from toxic content, particularly young people who are most vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. They must take responsibility for the harm caused by their algorithms.

The Need for Regulation

Regulation is not just about banning or restricting access to social media; it’s about holding platforms accountable for the harm they cause. Laws that prioritize user safety and well-being over profits and advertising revenue are necessary.

The Human Cost of Toxic Online Culture

The harm caused by toxic online culture extends beyond individual users, contributing to a culture of intolerance, sexism, and misogyny. We must work together to create a safer online environment where boys and girls can grow up without being exposed to toxic content.